Regulatory documents

The purpose of the NEB is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest. With approximately 73,000 kilometers of pipelines and about 1,400 kilometers of power lines under its regulations, the NEB’s regulations, standards and programs work to make our pipeline transportation systems and power lines safe, secure, accessible, competitive and environmentally responsible.

The NEB wants to hear from people who are directly affected by a project to assist them in making a decision about a company's proposal to build a new facility or abandon an existing facility. The NEB may also hear from you if you have expert information that would help the NEB to assess the proposed project. Processes are designed so that decision makers are presented with the range of views required to make fully-informed decisions in the Canadian public interest.

Play the following video to learn more about the National Energy Board.

Transcript:

You already know how important pipelines are for transporting energy. And pipelines that cross Canada’s provincial or international borders are regulated by us, the National Energy Board.

With over 450 employees with expertise in law, environment, engineering, economics, community and Aboriginal relations, we make sure pipeline companies meet strict requirements to keep Canadians and the environment safe.

We oversee a pipeline from construction, to operation and until its taken out of service and shut down.

If a company wants to build a new pipeline or modify a current one, they apply to the NEB.

We review the application to determine whether or not the project should proceed. Information such as design, safety, community and environmental impacts is considered during the review process.

In addition, a public hearing is often held as part of our review. We hear from people who are directly affected by a project or who have information that will help the Board in its review.

After a pipeline is constructed, we monitor its operations. We conduct audits and inspections to make sure the pipeline is operating safely and securely.

If a problem is detected, we take action. We make sure the root cause is addressed and corrected.

Sometimes we need to take disciplinary measures. This could include requiring a company to reduce flow or shut down the pipeline. We could also issue financial penalties.

When a pipeline comes to the end of it’s lifecycle, we make sure the pipeline is taken out of service in an environmentally safe way.